by Grace | Aug 17, 2021 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
Monday 20th – Friday 24th September is Headache Awareness Week.
It’s estimated that 7 in 10 people have at least one headache each year. – Healthline (2017).
What is a headache?
A headache is a very common condition that causes pain and discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Headaches can sometimes be mild, but in many cases, they can cause severe pain that makes it difficult to concentrate at work and perform other daily activities.
There are many types of headaches, including:
- Tension Headaches: Which occur most frequently in women over age 20. These headaches are often described as feeling like a tight band around the head. They are caused by a tightening of the muscles in the neck and scalp. Poor posture and stress are contributing factors.
- Cluster headaches: are non-throbbing headaches that cause excruciating, burning pain on one side of the head or behind the eye.
- Migraine headaches: Migraine headaches are severe headaches that can cause throbbing, pounding pain, usually on one side of the head.
- Rebound headaches: Rebound headaches are those that occur after a person stops taking medications they used regularly to treat headaches.
- Thunderclap headaches: Thunderclap headaches are abrupt, severe headaches that often come on very quickly. They will usually appear without warning and last up to five minutes.
Headache Triggers:
- Diet: insufficient food, missing meals, delayed meals, eating too little and dehydration;
- Specific foods: including chocolate, citrus fruits, dairy products and pork products;
- Environmental triggers: bright lights, computer overuse, loud sounds, pollution, strong smells (eg. perfume, smoke-filled rooms);
- Hormonal (women): menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, menopause;
- Some medications;
- Physical and emotional: lack of sleep, stiff and painful muscles, eye or dental problems, blows to the head, arguments, excitement stress or muscle tension;
How to deal with a headache in the workplace:
Usually a headache does not require time off work. Headache sufferers can help themselves by practicing the following:
- Regular breaks especially if work repetitive or using computers
- Relaxation techniques to rid the body of tension and stress
- Making their work environment as comfortable as possible
- Varying position to avoid stiffness and tension
- Communicating and keeping work informed so a colleague could stand in the event of a headache
- Explaining their headaches to colleagues so they understand the necessity of time off from work
If you are experiencing persistent headaches or finding it hard to relieve your headaches, visit your GP to discuss.
Sources: Headache Australia (2021) and Healthline (2017).
by Grace | Aug 17, 2021 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
World Lymphoma Awareness Day raises awareness of cancers of the lymphatic system.
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer, a cancer of the lymphocytes (the white blood cells that help to fight infection).
Lymphocytes are found in a liquid called lymph which travels throughout our body in the lymphatic system (a series of tubes, nodes and organs such as the spleen and thymus that are part of our immune system). There are two main categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL).
Source: lymphoma.org.au (2021).
Some symptoms may include bit are not limited to:
- Swollen lymph nodes;
- Fatigue;
- Unexplained weight loss;
- Night sweats;
- Unexplained persistent fevers;
- Difficulty getting over infections;
- Itchy body;
It is always advised to seek medical advice from your GP if you experience anything abnormal with your body.
Diagnosis is through various tests when you consult with your GP.
Fundraising is one of the ways that you can help make a significant difference in the lives of children and adults living with Lymphoma. Donations will help raise awareness, provide support for those living with lymphoma and search for a cure. To donate, click here – https://www.lymphoma.org.au/donate/
by Grace | Aug 17, 2021 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
Thursday 9th September is R U OK? Day.
This year’s theme is: Are they really ok? Ask them today.
The key is to not wait until somebody is visibly distressed or in a crisis. Make it a point to ask your work colleague, family member or mate how they are really going.
This year with the extra pressures of a global pandemic, why not host an event to spark conversation between colleagues (even if this means just a friendly hello) – you can even do this over zoom!
How can you ask R U Ok at work?
- Ask;
- Listen;
- Encourage Action;
- Check in;
R U Ok? has some fantastic resources for workplaces to start the conversation. To obtain resources for your workplace, visit https://www.ruok.org.au/work
by Grace | Aug 17, 2021 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
About 11% of Australians have asthma (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020).
What is asthma?
Asthma is a long-term lung condition of the airways (the passage that transports air into our lungs). Currently, there is no cure however it can be managed.
When somebody suffers from asthma, these airways become inflamed when they are exposed to triggers, narrowing the airways and causing persistent, troublesome symptoms.
When suffering from asthma, it may feel like you are breathing through a very thin tube which can possibly lead to a medical emergency.
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary from person to person and you should always visit a doctor to investigate further.
People with asthma experience symptoms because of the inflammation and narrowing of their airways. Most common symptoms include:
- Persistent cough;
- Wheezing (high pitched whistling sound made by the narrowing of the airways);
- Breathing difficulties;
- Tightening of the chest/chest pain;
- Shortness of breath;
Common triggers of asthma:
Research has shown that exposure to the following may increase your risk:
- Dust mites;
- Mould spores;
- Pollen;
- Food allergies;
- Exposure to chemicals, particles and gases;
- Tobacco smoke (especially as a baby or young child);
- Pollution from bushfires, traffic and industry;
How can you help someone with asthma in the workplace?
How can you help reduce asthma?
You can reduce exposure to substances that trigger allergies and asthma symptoms as part of your asthma management. However, even with trigger management, it is always recommended to speak with your doctor about taking preventer medication.
Here’s some helpful tips on how to reduce triggers of pets, dust mites, pollen, mould spores and more – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/avoiding-asthma-triggers#allergic-triggers-of-asthma
Sources: (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020) & betterhealth.vic.gov.au (2021). c.gov.au (2021) and Asthma Australia (2021).
by Grace | Jul 27, 2021 | Uncategorised
In those aged 50 years and over, 66% have osteoporosis or osteopenia. There are over 173,000 broken bones each year due to poor bone health. – Healthy Bones Australia, 2021.
Bone health is an important part of general health. Bones are flexible yet strong for movement and protect vital organs. Bone is living tissue with some cells breaking down the bone (osteoclasts) while other cells (osteoblasts) rebuild new bone, this is why bones can heal after a break. There are 206 bones in the body – the smallest bone is in our ear and the largest in our leg – (Healthy Bones Australia, 2021).
What is osteoporosis?
According to Healthy Bones Australia (2021), osteoporosis is when the structure of bone is compromised and becomes weaker and less dense, leaving the bone with an increased risk of breaking. Osteoporosis can be investigated by your doctor.
What are the risk factors for poor bone health?
- Family history;
- Low calcium levels;
- Low vitamin D levels;
- History of breaking bones from a minor bump or fall;
- Coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and other malabsorption disorders;
- Diabetes;
- Thyroid conditions;
- Low levels of physical activity;
- Smoking;
- Excessive alcohol intake;
- Obesity;
According to Dairy Australia (2021), there are 3 simple steps you can take now to help build stronger bones:
- Consume milk, cheese and yoghurt for calcium (consult your dietician/GP for alternatives if you are allergic to dairy);
- Incorporate weight bearing exercises into your routine;
- Get safe sunshine for vitamin D;
In light of Healthy Bones Action Week, Dairy Australia have taken to the experts and delivered a range of videos from dieticians, nutritionists and personal trainers to help build and strengthen bones – https://www.dairy.com.au/our-programs/healthy-bones-action-week